Diapers might seem like a small thing. But, they're a big deal when you’re a parent and you can’t afford to buy them. Boxford's Community Giving Tree's annual diaper drive is on now.

By Kerrin Devine

Diapers might seem like a small thing. But, they're a big deal when you’re a parent and you can’t afford to buy them.

Community Giving Tree (CGT) of Boxford is holding its annual diaper drive throughout the month of February to help families in need. The organization is accepting diapers and other essentials, such rash cream and baby wipes.

Having a necessity like diapers available eases the stress many families encounter over the lack of money. Every donation helps so "families in need can focus their resources on other necessities like food and housing," says Jean Pagliuca, executive director of CGT. Taking away the burden of buying an abundance of diapers allows families to allocate their money toward bills and groceries.

Over 50 percent of family homes in northeast Massachusetts that CGT helps are considered lower to poor socioeconomic class, according to social worker Kathy McCabe, who partners with CGT. McCabe works directly with families in need.

"These families and parents are eternally grateful," says McCabe.

CGT staff and volunteers sort through donations and choose the best of the best, according to McCabe. Working with the organization for over 15 years, McCabe knows first hand how much CGT cares for families.

"One parent started crying when I handed them their donation," she says.

The families and grateful to CGT for the clothes, diapers, and shoes they receive, McCabe says.

Throughout Lowell and Lawrence, the communities where most of the donations are allocated, according to McCabe, the families treasure every donation they receive.

"There is no end to who uses these [donations]," McCabe recalls. "I could not function without [Community Giving Tree]."

With over 15,000 diapers being donated last year, CGT hopes to exceed that amount this February, Pagliuca says. These donations will go directly to the babies in need in Haverhill, Lowell, Peabody, Salem, Lynn, and Lawrence.

"It’s a great thing." says McCabe.

What to donate

Disposable Diapers
Pull-ups
Wipes
Rash Cream

Ways to donate

1. Drop off in Boxford Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., at Community Giving Tree, 572 Main Street.

3. Order online. Community Giving Tree has an "Amazon Wishlist." You can order diapers on Amazon and have them shipped directly to CGT. Visit: https://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/2FR5LW2VYMNBP/ref=cm_wl_list_o_6

For information, visit CommunityGivingTree.org and NationalDiaperBankNetwork.org.

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